Seoul, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – The Republic of Korea saw nearly 2 million international visitors in June, leading the total number of foreign arrivals in the first six months of the year to surpass a significant milestone. The data released by Emirates News Agency confirmed that Korea’s inbound tourist numbers exceeded 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth from key regional source markets. According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 1.99 million foreigners entered the country in June alone, marking a 23.1 percent rise compared to the same month last year. This strong monthly increase pushed the cumulative total for the first half of the year to 10.71 million visitors, a 21.3 percent rise from the 8.8 million recorded during the same period in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 26.9 percent.
Throughout the first half of the year, neighboring East Asian countries continued to be the main drivers of South Korea’s tourism growth. Data on inbound travel indicates that mainland China remained the top source of international visitors, with 650,000 arrivals in June and the fastest year-on-year growth rate among major source countries. The first-half figures reveal that Chinese visitors totaled 3.21 million between January and June. Japan was the second-largest inbound market, contributing 350,000 visitors in June, with a six-month total of 1.95 million. Taiwan held its position as the third-largest source market, welcoming 220,000 travelers in June and reaching a total of 1.15 million visitors over the first six months of the year.
Expanding beyond traditional East Asian markets provided additional impetus for South Korea’s tourism recovery. Official entry data showed that long-haul travelers from North America reached 220,000 in June, with the United States accounting for 177,744 of these visitors, raising the overall American inbound count to 810,000 for the first half of the year. European countries collectively contributed 120,000 arrivals in June, while the six key Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, brought in a combined 230,000 travelers. Experts noted that visitor numbers from Taiwan and the U.S. experienced particularly strong growth, increasing by over 160 percent compared to baseline figures from the first half of 2019, before global travel restrictions were imposed.
Regional Markets and Japan Lead the Growth in South Korea’s Inbound Tourism
Transport data indicated that commercial flights remained the primary mode of entry for foreign visitors, with air arrivals totaling 1.74 million in June. Notably, international arrivals increasingly used regional airports, signaling a shift away from Seoul’s main gateways. Facilities like Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Daegu International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Cheongju International Airport saw a 42.5 percent year-on-year increase, reaching 395,246 visitors in June. This growth significantly outpaced the 18.2 percent rise seen at major Seoul airports, including Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
The surge in international arrivals during the first half of the year generated record-breaking financial gains for Korea’s hospitality and retail sectors. According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization, foreign visitor credit card spending exceeded 6.8 billion U.S. dollars, setting a new all-time tourism revenue record. Analysts pointed out that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals surpassed 10 million in H1, while spending hit the historic 6.8 billion U.S. dollar milestone approximately three months earlier than in 2025, when such expenditures did not reach that level until September.
Chinese Tourist Numbers Drive Growth in Inbound Travel
Officials in charge of tourism credit the consistent growth in inbound travel to targeted policy adjustments, increased flight capacity, and the global appeal of Korean cultural exports. Measures such as extending temporary visa-free programs for organized Chinese tour groups and restoring international flight routes directly eased entry for short-term visitors. Urban planning reports from the Seoul AI Foundation indicated that foreign travelers are increasingly exploring destinations beyond traditional capital landmarks, with double-digit increases in visitors to outdoor markets, cultural sites, and hiking spots like Achasan and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Reaching the 10 million mark before the midyear point bolsters government forecasts of attracting between 22 million and 23 million international tourists by year-end. Officials believe that travel momentum will intensify in the second half, supported by summer vacations, autumn festivals, and more international flights connecting regional airports to major Asian cities. With foreign visitor numbers already exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic levels by nearly 27 percent, tourism authorities are actively working with hospitality providers, local governments, and transportation agencies to maintain infrastructure capacity and expand travel options across the country.
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